rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrugbyTeam sport
noun

rugby

RUG-bee/ˈrʌɡbi/

A team sport played with an oval ball, involving running, passing, and tackling.

A rugby player carries the ball as an opponent tackles her.

A women's rugby ball carrier is tackled legally around the hips while a teammate runs alongside for support, with an H-shaped rugby goal behind them.
Etymology
rugbyEnglishname of a school and town

Rugby takes its name from Rugby School, where this form of football was played. The school's name became the name of the sport.

In context

TED2:33
I was this strong, tough rugby player who came from a simple working-class background to be one of the very best at this sport.
How to Tackle the Stigma of Living with HIV | Gareth Thomas | TED

More examples

  • She plays rugby for her college team.
  • In rugby, players cannot pass the ball forward.
  • We practice tackling safely at rugby practice.

Forms

rugby